Kilimanjaro Climbers Hope to 'Move Mountains' for Stem Cell Patients

Blood system CEO leads 25 climbers to raise funds for Canada's first national public cord blood bank

OTTAWA, Aug. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - On August 6, Dr. Graham Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services will be part of a team of 25 devoted climbers sharing one single vision—to help fund Canada's first national public cord blood bank. Umbilical cords are a rich source of stem cells and in Canada they are largely discarded after child birth. By collecting and storing umbilical cord blood in an accredited national public bank, the lives of more Canadian patients can be saved and the suffering of many families can be reduced.

In January, Canadian Blood Services launched the $12.5 million For All Canadians fundraising campaign to build a national public cord blood bank. Individuals and corporations across Canada are responding to this urgent health care need to meet the increasing demand for stem cells. By offering their financial support, they are helping Canadian Blood Services and governments build the first national public cord blood bank for all Canadians.

For the nearly 1,000 Canadians waiting for a stem cell match, each day is an uphill struggle that takes unrelenting courage and strength to endure. "We may be climbing Africa's highest peak, but the challenges we'll encounter are nothing compared to what patients face daily when they are waiting for stem cell transplants to fight life threatening conditions like leukemia or lymphoma," says Sher. "Our team of climbers understands the courage and strength needed for Kilimanjaro is insignificant compared to what these patients endure every day."

Japreet is a 10 year old girl who was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lympho Histiocytosis (HLH) in May 2013. She currently needs a stem cell transplant to save her life. "Japreet is a vibrant child who enjoys spending time with her family," says Simran Grewal, Japreet's cousin. "Now her days are spent in the Hospital for Sick Children waiting and hoping a stem cell match is found."

A national public cord blood bank is especially important for Canadian patients because of our country's ethnically diverse population. Canada's ethnic population is under-represented on Canadian Blood Services' OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network. There is a pressing need for these patients to have better access to stem cell treatments.

"Canadians can help Japreet and other patients like her by donating generously," urges Sher. Canadians can follow this important journey at #climb4cord. "Ascending to new heights regarding stem cell banking is why we are here. Providing better chances for all patients such as Japreet, is why we came."

About Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. Canadian Blood Services also oversees the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, and provides national leadership for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Canadian Blood Services operates 42 permanent collection sites and more than 20,000 donor clinics annually. The provincial and territorial Ministries of Health provide operational funding to Canadian Blood Services. The federal government, through Health Canada, is responsible for regulating the blood system.

Follow #climb4cord:

Satellite Tracking of Climbers: http://campaignforcanadians.ca/climb-4-cord/
Web: (Campaign): http://www.blood.ca/campaign
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Follow us on Twitter at @itsinyoutogive or join the discussion #climb4cord
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Image with caption: "The Canadian Blood Services flag of signatures, a flag that travelled across the country and visited a majority of Canadian Blood Services' main locations, was presented to the climbers and will next be seen at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. (CNW Group/CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130801_C2572_PHOTO_EN_29424.jpg

SOURCE: CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES

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Olga Pazukha,
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Canadian Blood Services
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